Liquefied gas system



Jam. 5, 1943. R w. THOMAS 2,301 3 LIQUEFIED GAS SYSTEM Filed Oct. 1, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VENTOR. ROSSWELL W. THOMAS B'Y FIG. 2

Jan. 5, 1943. R. w. THOMAS- LIQUEFIED GAS SYSTEM s Sheets-Sheet 2' s ..A M MT W L L m s s o 4 AT OR Y Jan 5, 194 3. R. w. THOMAS LIQUEFIED GAS SYSTEM 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed 001;. l, 1938 FIG, 8

INVENTOR. osswsu. w. THOMAS W N MN Patented Jan. 5, 1943 LIQUEFIED GAS SYSTEM J Rosswell W. Thomas, Birmingham, Mich assignor to Phillips Petroleum Company,

tion of Delaware a corpora- Application October 1, 1938, Serial No. 232,858

3 Claims.

The present invention relates to systems for dispensing liquefied gas.

In the usual liquefied gas system such as fuel gaseslike propane, butane, and similar liquefiable gases, the customerhas on his premises a supply tank which. is filled periodically from a tank truck belonging to the dealer, In the system there is-a connection between the vapor space above the liquefied gas in the supply tank and the appliances which utilize the gas, the pressure being reduced from that in the tank to that desirable for the appliances by a gas pressure regulator. Numerous safety devices are usually associated with the supply tank to reduce the hazard of handling high pressure,'highly combustible ases. In the past the supply tank, which was located above or below the ground, had a plurality of openings to receive the filling valve, vapor withdrawalvalve, and the safety devices. Sometimes some of these, elements were combined so as to have less openings in the tank and to simplify the connection in general. Such equipment is shown in U. S. Patent 1,977,268-

Issued to Paul S. Endacott and U. S. Patent 2,047,339 issued to Rosswell W. Thomas. Co-

pending application, Serial No. 151,016 filed January 29, 1937 by George R. Benz shows similar equipment of this nature. However all the equipment previously developed has many disadvantages, among which is the lack of mechanical simplicity in arrangement of the necessary valves and safety devices.

The combination of all the equipment into one unitary fixture has not heretofore been achieved because, for example, continuous flow of the vapor through the service line to the appliance is a prerequisite and must continue while the tank is being replenished. Also, an excess pressure valve and a fusible member must, always be in communication with the interior of the supply tank. An excess fiow valve must be positioned somewhere in the vapor withdrawal line but must not prevent a high rate of flow of vapor through the relief valve.

An important object of the present invention,

therefore, is to provide a liquefied gas system in' which the filling, vapor withdrawal, and safety devices are incorporated in a simplified structure.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and in which like numerals areemployed to designate like parts throughout the same, I

Figure 1 is a view in elevation, with portion broken away, of a system incorporating the invention,

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the system of Figure 1,

Figure 3 i an enlarged view in elevation, with the safety valve in cross section, of the unitary fixture shown in Figures 1 and 2,

Figure 4 is a longitudinal section taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 3,

Figure 5 is a view in cross section taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 3, showing only the stand pipe, v

Figure 6 is a plan view of another embodiment of the fixture shown in Figures 3 to 5 inclusive,

Figure 7 is a view in longitudinal section on the line 11 of Figure 6 with some parts in elevation, and w Figure 8 is a view in longitudinal section taken on the line 88 of Figure 6 with some parts in elevation.

. Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, reference numeral Ill indicates a cylinder for holding the liquefied gas. Welded or otherwise fastened into cylinder I0 is a sleeve or boiler flange II, screw threaded to receive a stand pipe I 2 which in turn terminates in an integral fitting I3 to be later safety relief valve'so that a protecting cap (not shown) can be used, of the type disclosed in copending application Serial No. 147,116 filed June 8, 1937 by the present inventors. A

In operation of the system shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cylinder II), which may be located above or below ground level, is filled with liquefied petroleum gas by means of a pump and connecting pipe (not shown) which are connected to a part of fitting I3. At the same time regulator I5 through conduit I4 and fitting I3 is in communication with. the gas space above the liquefied gas and will deliver gas to service line I1 as required. v Referring more specifically to Figures 3, 4, and 5, wherein the fitting designated generally by reference numeral I3 is shown in detail, a valve body is shown at I9 which is integrally connected to the upperend of stand pipe I2. -As explained above, stand pipe I2 makes threaded connection with sleeve II and gland 2|, carrying packer 22,- seals the connection. Valve body I9 contains two major valves indicated generally at.23 and 24.

Valves 23 and 24 close a pair of conduits or passages 25 and 26 respectively, extending through the valve body I9 and stand pipe i2. A third conduit 21 extends upwardly through stand pipe l2 and into valve body iii to terminate in a screw threaded port 28 which receives a safety valve 29 which will later be described in detail. Concentrically positioned within conduit 26 is a tube 30 extending up through thestand pipe to a fastening point within valve body l9 and downwardly past the lowermost extremity of stand pipe |2 to a point which, when fitting l5 isconnected to cylinder ill, would be a desirable liquid level for the cylinder when filled. At the point where tube 30 is fastened to valve body I9, a bleeder passage 3| is formed in the valve body and places the 'upper end of tube 3|] in connection with a port formed by valve seat 32. Valve seat 32 is at the bottom of a threaded recess 33 which receives a threaded plug end of plug 34 acting as a valve face for engagement with valve seat 32. A second bleeder passage 35 connects the lower part of recess 33 with atmosphere.

The lower end of conduit 25 has associated therewith an excess flow valve indicated generally at 35 and comprising a valve disk 31 slidably carried on a pair of guides 38. As stated previously, the upper end of conduit 25 is controlled by valve 23 which when open, allows conduit 25 to communicate with a conduit 39 which in turn communicates with a screw threaded coupling member 40 adapted to be connected to conduit i4 shown in Figures 1 and 2. Similarly valve 24, when open, places conduit 25 in com-' munication with a conduit 4| which in turn opens into a threaded coupling 42 adapted to be connected to the hose (not shown) of a filling truck. Since valves 23 and 24 are similar, varying only in size because 34', the innermost filling valve 24 handles a liquid and service line valve 23 handles vapor, a

description of one will sufflce for both, the same reference numerals being applied to like parts. Considering valve/23, a valve seat 43 surrounds the upper terminal of conduit 25 and a valve plug 44 carrying ,a resilient valve face 45 is movable into or out of sealing engagement with valve seat 43. Movement of valve plug 44 toward and away from valve seat 43 is effected through swivel member 46 engaging with a plug 41 which in turn has screw threadconnection with a retainer member 48. Retainer member 48 remaining stationary, rotation of plug 41 acting on swivel member 46 moves valve plug 44.

Instead of the usual packing gland, a diaphragm sealing means is used, thus a diaphragm 49 held between valve plug 44 and swivel member 45 by a pair of nuts has its peripheral edges clamped between a flange 50 formed in valve body i9 and the lower extremity of retaining member 48. A screw threaded connection between retaining member 48 and valve body |9 permits a sealing and clamping action on diaphragm 49.

Referring specifically to safety valve 29 shown in Figure 3, the same comprises a valve housing 5| having an integral valve seat 52 surrounding a passage 53 which is in communication with coupling 28 the latter being in screw fitting relation with housing 5|. The end of housing 5| is closed by perforated spring retainer 54. Slidable in housing 5| is a valve plug 55 having a resilient valve face 55 adapted to cooperate with valve seat 52. Guide members 51 hold valve plug 55 for sliding movement in the housing 5| while allowing vapor to pass. Spring 58 is poplug 55 and urges sitioned between spring retainer 54 and valve the valve plug into closing position in opposition to the gas pressure in the cylinder;

Connected to conduit 26 below valve 24 is a large threaded port 59 which receives a threaded plug 60 carrying a heat fusible member.

Valve body l9 has integrally formed therewith a lifting, eye 53 by means of which cylinder Hi can be lifted, if desired.

In use, with the fitting |3 sealingly connected to cylinder i0 through stand pipe i2 and sleeve II, as stated above, conduit l4, regulator i5, and the remaining service fittings, will be connected to coupling 49 with valve 23 in open position. When it is desirable to replenish the liquefied petroleum gas in cylinder in, a supply tank, and hose (not shown) are connected to coupling 42. Since vapor passage 25 is separate from passage 26, discontinuance of the service is not necessary. Liquefied petroleum gas from the supply tank is either pumped or run by gravity into cylinder l0 through passage 25 in the space surrounding tube 30. When the operator judges that the proper liquid level line is being approached, plug 34 is turned so that vapor is allowed to escape from tube 3|] through bleeder passage 3| and bleeder port 35. When the liquid level reaches the lower extremity of tube 30, the liquefied petroleum gas will be expelled through bleeder port 35 forming a white foggy discharge which will notify the operator that cylinder I0 is filled to the proper height.

In case the service equipment anywhere from valve 23 to the utilization equipment should become damaged so that gas begins to rush past valve 23 at an excessive rate, excess fiow valve 36 will be moved upward by the increased pressure drop across it closing the lower end of conduit 25. This action cuts off the excessive flow of gas but since valve disk 3'! does not make an absolutely perfect seal with the lower end of stand pipe 20, enough gas leaks by so that when the damage to the service equipment has been repaired the pressure builds up in the service line and valve 36 opens by the action of gravity. If for any reason the pressure in cylinder becomes excessive, relief valve 29 opens, permitting vapor to be vented to the atmosphere through conduit 21. Where a fire adjacent the installation raises the temperature of the equipment to a dangerous point, fuse plug 60 gives way, placing conduit 26 in communication with the atmosphere.

Referring specifically to Figures 6, '7, and 8, a modification of fitting i3 isshown which has -many advantages thereover and is adapted to be used inplace of fitting |3 in the system shown in Figures 1 and 2. In this embodiment reference numeral 5| indicates the valve body integrally connected to the top of stand pipe. 62 which has threaded thereon a packing gland 63 and a gasket 64. Stand pipe 62 is bored to form one large passage 65 which extends up into valve body 6|. In the neighborhood of the upper end of the large passage, valve body 5| has a projecting arm 66;and is bored at right angles to passage 65 for some distance into arm 55 forming at that point valve chamber 51 having a valve seat 63 which surrounds a port 69 which in turn is enlarged into a coupling 10. At the point where port 59 is enlarged into the coupling 10, a flared surface 1| is formed. Passa e as it extends upwardly into valve body 9| has a. reduced portion I2 having a threaded section minates in a valve seat of a threaded bore hole sition to the therein by a cotter pin 12 which receives an externally threaded tube 14 to position the same concentrically with respect to passage 65.

Tube 14 has a flared portion 14' at its lowest extremity. 'In the neighborhood of the reduced 'portion 12, valve body 6| has an arm 13 extendmg at right angles to passage 65 and at right angles to arm 66, as shown best in Figures 6 and 8. This arm has a longitudinal passage 13' bored therethrough and extending acrss.reduced portion 12 to form a valve chamber 15. Diagonally opposite arm 13 and in alignment therewith, valve body 6| presents another arm 16 which has a threaded coupling 11 with ,an annular gasket 18 positioned at its inner end. Arm 16 is further drilled at 19 with properly diminished threaded sections to place valve chamber 15 and coupling 11 in communication. The threaded sections, just referred to, cooperate with and hold aconventional tire valve core 80.

In valve chamber 61 a valve 8| having a resilient valve face 92 is slidably positioned with a spring 83 acting between tube 14 and valve 8| to invention,

bias the same into closing position with valve seat 68.

The reduced portion 12 of passage 65 has connected thereto a small threaded port 84 which in turn connects to a bleeder passage 85 which ter- 86 at the inner extremity 81. A tube 88 externally threaded at its upper end is held in threaded port 84, the tube extending downwardly when the fitting is connected to cylinder ID to the desired liquid level as in the case of tube 30 shown in Figures 3 and 4. In bore hole 81 is positioned a. plug 89 having a valve face 90 adapted to engage valve seat 86. A bleeder port similar to bleeder port shown portion of bore hole 81 with the atmosphere.

The passage terminating at one end in valve chamber 61 is closed at the surface of the valve body by a plug 9| having a fusible element 92. Coupling 10 is shown closed by removable sealing D1ug93. Ann 13 has screw threaded thereon a safety relief valve 94, the same as-that shown at 29 in Figure 3, which closes passage 13' in oppopressure therein. "At the other end of passage 13' in chamber 15 an excess flow valve 95 is slidably positioned with a spring 96 urging valve 95 into contact with liquid level indicator tube 88. It will be understood that the body of valve 95 is spaced from the walls of valve cham ber 15 by guides, not shown for the purpose of in Figure 3 connects the lowerclarity, which allow the vapor to pass the valve. I

At its upper end valve body 6| terminates in a well 91 which receives a bayonet 98 retained 99.

In use the embodiment shown in Figures 6, I, and 8, is similar to fitting I3. With this embodi-' ment stand pipe 62 is threaded into sleeve I I and the connection sealed by a packing gland 63. In using the present embodiment, however, conduit l4 carries a coupling seal with gasket 18 of arm core 19 placing the interior of munication with the surface fitting. Since tire valve 19 is urged into closing position by the gas in cylinder 10 and the spring of the tire valve core, no additional valve is needed to close passage 19. Excess flow valve 95 in the present em- 16 opens tire valve cylinder 1 0 in comexcess flow valve 36, the that since valve 95 is not which upon making a nection with surface 1|, the superior pressure of the liquefied gas in the hose forcing valve 8| open. Since theliquefied run into cylinder l0 passes through passage 65 in the space outside of tube 14, the system can remain in service. Flared portion 14 or tube 14 throws liquefied gas outwardly and prevents the same from being carried up into the inside of tube 14 and out into the service system. As in the previously described embodiment the liquid tube is used to determine when the liquefied gas in cylinder vIll has reached the proper level. Fuse plug 9| and safety relief plug 94 have identical functions as do the corresponding elements in the previously described embodiment. Bayonet 98 is a means for fastening a cover in place.

It is to be understood that the form of this herewith shown and described, is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size, and arrangements of parts, may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit of the invention, or the scope of the subjoined claims.

I claim:

l. A unitary fitting for use with a liquefied gas container, comprising a, body, a conduit therein placing said container in communication with a nller connection on said body, valve means associated with said conduit, a second conduit within said first-named conduit for of said container in communication with a vapor withdrawal connection on said body, valve means associated therewith for controlling the flow of fiuid therethrough, said body having a passage connecting the filling conduitwith the exterior of the fitting, said passage being normally closed by fuse metal, said body also having an opening placing one of said first-named conduits in communication with the atmosphere, a safety relief valve associated with said opening and normally closing the same, a third conduit in said valve body placing the interior of said container in aosswmr. w. moms.

petroleum gas being placing the interior 

